Spring is a wonderful time to visit Alabama’s Gulf Coast, as families and visitors head to the beach to relax, explore, and spend time together. But for individuals with mobility challenges, getting across soft sand to reach the shoreline can be incredibly difficult.
At Accessing Potential Through Assistive Technology (APTAT), the goal is simple: remove barriers and create access to meaningful experiences like this.
A Personal Story Behind the Project
For APTAT Director Ashley McLeroy, this initiative is deeply personal.
“I haven’t visited the shoreline in years because my disability makes it difficult to walk in the sand,” Ashley shares. “And I know I’m not the only one.”
That experience helped shape the vision for this project. In the early stages of building the APTAT device lending library, Ashley was also contacted by family members of people with disabilities who would ask, “What are our options for getting out onto the beach?”. Families were getting creative with enjoying a beach day, one family even getting scolded by beach patrol for using an ATV!
While we researched and found options for renting beach wheelchairs, that isn’t always the most feasible option. Individuals with disabilities have a lot of extra cost considerations when traveling so spending an additional $200-$500 for a few hours may not make it into the budget.
Beach Wheelchair Access at Gulf State Park
Through a partnership with The Lodge at Gulf State Park, APTAT provides access to a powered beach wheelchair that can be borrowed at no cost.
This specialized wheelchair is designed to travel across sand and uneven terrain, making it possible for more people to reach and enjoy the shoreline.
“The Lodge at Gulf State Park is a perfect location because their ramp leads right into the sand for an easy entry to the beach,” Ashley explains.
Designed for Independence
One of the most impactful features of the chair is that it is powered.
“I also love that the chair is powered because it gives us the most independence and eliminates the struggle on a friend or family member to push a manual chair through the sand.”
This independence allows individuals to explore the beach on their own terms, rather than relying on others for mobility.
Expanding Access Beyond the Beach
In addition to the powered beach wheelchair, visitors can also explore other accessible mobility options available through The Lodge at Gulf State Park.
These include the Trackchair and the GRIT Freedom Chair, which allow users to navigate trails, boardwalks, and other areas throughout Gulf State Park.
Together, these options help make more of the park’s natural beauty accessible to everyone.
Removing Financial Barriers
Access should not come at a cost.
“You can borrow the chair for the day at no cost because we also understand that disabilities are expensive enough.”
By providing access to the chair at no cost, APTAT and its partners help ensure that more individuals and families can benefit from this resource without additional financial burden.
Plan Your Visit
With summer here, this is a wonderful opportunity to experience Alabama’s shoreline in a more accessible way.
To reserve the beach wheelchair:
- Contact the front desk at The Lodge at Gulf State Park
- Call: 251-541-4000
- Or reserve upon arrival
Learn more about The Lodge at Gulf State Park and its amenities.
Creating Access to Meaningful Moments
Whether it’s feeling the ocean breeze, listening to the waves, or spending time with family by the water, these are moments everyone deserves to experience.
“So let’s get out here and make some new memories, y’all!”